Sweden

If your closest contact with Sweden has been your Volvo, a trip to IKEA or a glass of Absolut, a visit to this Scandinavian beauty will provide some pleasant surprises.

Sweden is a country that surges with energy, as well as with a rich cultural life. The islands of Stockholm and its old-town Gamla Stan rightfully give the city a reputation as one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Further south the less-visited Gothenburg and cosmopolitan Malmö, across from Denmark, also have their charms.

Spend time in the cities but also do yourself a favor and get out into the countryside as well. Everywhere you’ll see evidence of the old Viking culture scattered across deep-green fields and forests.

Visit the beautiful region of Dalarna up north, right in the center of the country, for a taste of old Swedish traditions. The Mid-Summer festivities here – with the raising of maypoles and everyone in traditional dress – is an experience you won’t forget.

Travel to the historic island of Gotland, a summertime haven for vacationing Swedes, or in the winter treat yourself to a stay at the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi up north in the Artic Circle, another not-to-be-forgotten experience.

Top Experiences

Stockholm – a beautiful city setting
Gotland – the summer party island
Dalarna – center of folklore and tradition
Inlandsbanan — Inland Railway through the wilderness
Ice Hotel – extreme winter architecture

Good to Know

The Stockholm Archipelago
Stockholm is a city of islands, but it’s only one small part of a large archipelago.
 

Göta Canal
Sweden is lake country and the Göta Canal connects a series of lakes from Lake Vänern (north of Gothenberg) to the Baltic.
 

The Inlandsbanan
The Inlandsbanan, Sweden’s Inland Railway that stretches from north of Stockholm to the Artic Circle, transverses the great inland wilderness of Sweden.

Transportation

There are direct flights from North America to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, as well as ferry service from Denmark, Finland, Germany and the UK. Rail travel is comfortable and efficient, as is travel by car on the country’s well-maintained highways.

Hotels

There is a good range of hotels that offer excellent service and comfort.

Food

There is a good range of both traditional food, as well as international cuisine, although restaurants can be expensive. Some offer the traditional smorgasbord, which allows you to eat as much as you’d like at a set price.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Good